It’s amazing how items once overlooked in attics and basements can suddenly become the star of the show at an auction. These dusty relics, often unassuming at first glance, can hold historical significance, artistic value, or simply a unique charm that captivates bidders. Let’s dive into the world of hidden treasures and explore ten dusty relics that became hot auction items.
1. The Foundling Fabergé Egg
Discovered in a scrap metal market, this antique was nearly melted down for gold before its true identity was revealed. The exquisite Fabergé egg, one of the 50 originally created for Russian royalty, fetched a staggering $33 million at auction. Its value lies not only in its gold and gemstone encrusted exterior but also in its historical significance, offering a glimpse into the opulence of the Russian Imperial era.
2. The Garage Sale Van Gogh
A couple unknowingly purchased a painting by Vincent Van Gogh at a garage sale for a mere $45. Initially dismissed as a mere replica, the painting “Still Life, Vase with Daisies and Poppies” later sold at auction for an incredible $61.8 million. It’s a perfect reminder that sometimes, priceless art can be found in the most unexpected places.
3. The T206 Honus Wagner Baseball Card
Honus Wagner 1909-1911 T206 baseball card, found in an old house, became one of the most expensive baseball cards ever sold. Wagner, a Hall of Fame shortstop, was one of baseball’s earliest superstars. Despite its worn condition, it was sold for an impressive $2.1 million, proving that for passionate collectors, age is just a number.
4. The Declaration of Independence Copy
A man purchased an old, framed painting for $4 at a flea market, primarily because he liked the frame. Hidden behind the painting was an original Dunlap broadside of the Declaration of Independence. Only 26 copies are known to exist, and this one sold at auction for $2.42 million!
5. The Qianlong Vase
This Chinese porcelain vase, forgotten in an attic in a London suburb, turned out to be an 18th-century artifact from the Qianlong Emperor’s reign. The intricately decorated vase was sold for a whopping $69 million, setting a record for the most expensive Chinese artwork ever auctioned.
6. The Billy the Kid Tintype
A $2 purchase at a junk shop, this tintype photograph turned out to be a rare image of infamous outlaw Billy the Kid. The photo, one of only two known to exist, was auctioned for $5 million, proving that sometimes, a picture is worth a thousand words – and millions of dollars.
7. The Double Eagle Coin
A rare 1933 Double Eagle gold coin, found in a child’s toy chest, was auctioned for an astonishing $7.59 million. Only 13 of these coins are known to exist, making it a coveted item among numismatists.
8. The Gutenberg Bible
A copy of the Gutenberg Bible, lost in a dusty library, fetched $5.39 million at auction. As one of the first books printed using movable type, it holds immense historical significance and is a treasured item for bibliophiles.
9. The Rolex Daytona Watch
A Vietnam veteran’s $345 Rolex Daytona watch, purchased in 1974, was valued at $700,000 on the TV show “Antiques Roadshow”. The watch, which he had forgotten in a safety deposit box, represents the timeless allure of luxury timepieces.
10. The attic-found Caravaggio
A painting found in a French attic turned out to be a lost masterpiece by Italian artist Caravaggio. The painting, “Judith Beheading Holofernes”, was valued at over $170 million, underscoring the enduring appeal of classical art.